Show House Designers--Part 4

Since our Show House debuted this month, we’ve introduced our
interior designers, and some of their favorite places and things.
This week, we’re moving outdoors and chatting with Rand Rosenthal,
Mike Marks and Chris Mueller, the talented landscape artists who
got the gardens of #15 Washington Terrace ready for their
close-up.

Rand Rosenthal

ROSENTHAL LANDSCAPING & DESIGN INC.

LN: Your work is often punctuated with unique objets d’art and
vintage surprises. Where do you find the accent pieces?

RR: I go to flea markets all over the country—I love the
carnival atmosphere! I also go to the gift shows, especially in New
York, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas.

LN: Where would you like to design your dream landscape?

RR: Miami! I love Miami—I love the colors of tropicals.

LN: Without thinking about climate or zone, what plant should be
in every garden?

RR: Agave! They have an architectural presence and besides,
that’s where tequila comes from!

LN: Must-have plant for a St. Louis garden?

RR: Annabelle hydrangeas—they look great in an evening garden
because of the white flowers.

LN: The autumn garden beyond the mum?

RR: Oak leaf hydrangea—they’re large and colorful, and you can
use the leaves to decorate a harvest dinner table.

LN: The winter garden—in addition to holly, what goes best with
snow?

RR: Miami!

Mike Marks

LUXURY LAWN MANAGEMENT

LN: You’re working on your dream garden. Where are you?

MM: In Scotland or on a Frank Lloyd Wright estate, like House of
Falling Water or Taliesin.

LN: Must-have plant for a St. Louis landscape?

MM: Missouri native trees, incorporated into the garden.

LN: What’s the most unappreciated plant?

MM: Honeysuckle!

LN: And the most under-appreciated?

MM: Nandina domestica, Missouri ginger and prairie dropseed

LN: Best part of working on the LN Show House?

MM: It was an honor working with some of the finest
professionals in the industry. Not just the environmental pros,
like Rand Rosenthal, whose talent is that good, but also the
interior designers.

Chris Mueller

ACCENT LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN

LN: Do you have an all-time favorite plant? What makes it
special?

CM: My favorite plant for any garden would be a gardenia because
of its aroma.

LN: Are native plants always the best choice?

CM: No, not necessarily. Factor in diseases and hardiness, and
lots of plants will grow in our zone if properly cared for.